Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed a measure Sunday making his state the fourth and most populous to permit illegal immigrants to drive. Proponents say the measure will improve safety on the roads, but critics warn of the potential for identity fraud. Below are the requirements for receiving a permit.
— Submit to facial recognition software, but no fingerprinting.
— Provide proof of written signature, proof of date of birth and a letter of ineligibility for a Social Security number.
— Show valid passport from a home country or a consular identification card, and two documents that show a minimum one-year residency in the state.
— Receive drivers training and undergo vision screening, written and driving tests.
— Purchase insurance.
The purple-bordered card will be different than regular licenses, and valid only for driving purposes. It cannot be used as a form of identification, meaning licenses can't be used to buy a firearm, register to vote or board a plane.
Applicants who satisfy all requirements will receive their license by mail, not at state facilities. The state will begin accepting applications at least 10 months after the governor signs the bill. Each card will cost $30, the same cost of a regular license.
Today is Sunday, May 19, the 139th day of 2013. There are 226 days left in the year. 1863 -- 150 years ago: The Rt. Rev. Harry I. Witherspoon, D.D. Bishop of Illinois, willpreach in Trinity (Episcopal) Church, in this city this evening. 1888 -- 125 years ago: At 1 o'clock yesterday afternoon the Mississippi River flooded itsbanks at Rock Island, destroying the warehouse of the Rock Island Lumber companyand damaging the Lumber Company and arsenal power plant. Total loss isestimated at $100.000. 1913 -- 100 years ago: Residents of South Rock Island township are circulating a petitionfavoring the annexation of that area to the city of Rock Island. 1938 -- 75 years ago: Mrs. Thomas Ackles, of Rock Island, has been elected president ofthe Playcrafters for the next season. She succeeds Warren Leonard. 1963 -- 50 years ago: Some 8,000 people filed through the gates of Rock Island Arsenal on Saturday to view a display of a part of the nation's armed strength. The occasion was theannual observance of Armed Forces Day. 1988 -- 25 years ago: Willis Kuschmann, of Moline, who already has won his laurels as oneof the most artistic men in the Quad-Cities area, has a new hobby. He is deeply involvedin miniature railroading. At the age of 88, when many other seniors are dozing in theirchairs or sitting before the television, Mr. Kuschmann is planning and working on hiscollection.